8 Days Adventure Across Albania

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring the Colors of Tirana

Welcome to Albania!

• Upon arrival at Tirana International Airport, your private driver will transfer you to the capital city.
• Check-in and unwind at your hotel, located in the heart of the city.
• In the afternoon, join a guided walking tour through Tirana’s vibrant streets.

1. Visit Skanderbeg Square, dominated by the impressive statue of Albania’s national hero and surrounded by key landmarks like the National History Museum and Et’hem Bey Mosque.
2. Explore the Clock Tower, climb up for a panoramic view over the colorful city.
3. Walk to Bunk’Art 2, an underground museum built inside a Cold War-era nuclear bunker, telling the story of Albania’s communist isolation and the brutal secret police (Sigurimi). A gripping, atmospheric visit into the country’s recent past.
4. Continue to the Pyramid of Tirana, once a museum dedicated to dictator Enver Hoxha and now one of the city’s most famous (and controversial) landmarks, recently renovated into a hub of culture and youth innovation.
5. Wander through the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri), a lively open-air market filled with local produce, handicrafts, and street art.

• In the evening, savor a traditional Albanian dinner, tasting local specialties such as “tave kosi” or “fërgesë.”

Accommodation in Tirana for a restful night.

Day 2 – Into the Wild Beauty of Thethi

• After breakfast, depart around 08:00 AM heading north towards the untouched village of Theth in the Albanian Alps.
• On the way, stop at Boga village, a quaint alpine community surrounded by high cliffs and dense forests — the perfect place for photos and a breath of fresh mountain air.
• A panoramic stop at Thore Pass (1,800m) will offer breathtaking views over the rugged landscapes of Thethi National Park.
• Arrival in Theth around midday: Warm welcome and check-in at a traditional guesthouse with stunning mountain views.
• Lunch featuring hearty local dishes made with organic ingredients.
• In the afternoon, visits include:
• The iconic Church of Theth, its simple stone structure standing proud against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps; an emblem of the village’s deep-rooted Catholic faith.
• The Lock-in Tower, or “Kulla e Ngujimit,” a centuries-old defensive stone tower where families once took refuge during blood feuds, a living testimony to Albania’s Kanun traditions.
• A short hike to Grunas Waterfall, an enchanting 25-meter-high cascade hidden among steep rocky cliffs, roaring down into a crystal-clear basin.
• Evening: Gather around for a traditional dinner, bonfire gathering.
• Stay in a charming guesthouse in Theth.

Day 3 – Blue Eye Hike and Discovering Shkodra’s Legends

• Breakfast at the guesthouse.
• Around 08:00 AM, embark on a hiking adventure to Nderlysaj Natural Pools, pristine blue waters formed by the Black River, perfect for a swim or simply relaxing by the shore.
• Continue hiking toward the legendary Blue Eye of Theth, a dazzling deep-blue pool fed by icy mountain springs. The contrast between the lush green surroundings and the blue water makes this one of Albania’s natural wonders.
• Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Nderlysaj village.
• Depart for Shkodra, the cultural capital of northern Albania.
• En route, another short stop at Boga village for coffee and a last view of the Alps.
• Arrival in Shkodra:

1. Visit Rozafa Castle, standing atop a rocky hill at the confluence of three rivers, and hear the tragic legend of Rozafa’s sacrifice for the castle’s walls to stand strong.
2. Stroll through Shiroka village, a peaceful lakeside town where Mount Tarabosh reflects into Shkodra Lake.

• Dinner with traditional food.
• Relax and stay in Shkodra’s cozy hotel.

Day 4 – A Fairytale Boat Journey and Southern Escape

• Early breakfast at 06:30 AM and transfer to Komani Lake.
• At 10:00 AM, board the boat and sail through what many call the “Albanian fjords,” where towering mountains plunge dramatically into emerald waters.

1. Arrival at the Shala River, often called the “hidden paradise” of Albania.
2. Relax on its white river beaches, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or hike to scenic viewpoints.
3. Traditional lunch by the riverside, surrounded by untouched nature.
4. Return to Komani Harbour and head south towards Vlora, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet.

• Arrival in Vlora:

1. Visit the Narta Lagoon, an important habitat for flamingos and migratory birds.
2. Explore the charming Zvernec Island and its 13th-century Byzantine Monastery, accessible via a wooden bridge.

• Evening stay by the seaside in Vlora.
• Dinner and leisurely walk along the new seaside promenade, Lungo Mare.

Day 5 – Mystical Islands and the Breathtaking Riviera

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• 10:00 AM: Embark on a boat tour exploring:

1. Sazan Island, once a top-secret military base, now a place of mystery and history.
2. The rugged Karaburun Peninsula, with hidden coves and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
3. The hauntingly beautiful Haxhi Ali Cave, once used by pirates and merchants.
4. Idyllic bays such as Shën Jani and Shën Vasili, where time stands still.

• Lunch by the sea with freshly caught seafood.
• Continue along the Albanian Riviera, visiting:

1. Llogara National Park, where pine forests meet sweeping sea views.
2. Dhermi village, famous for its stone houses and centuries-old Orthodox churches.
3. Porto Palermo Castle, a triangle-shaped fortress built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina.
4. Himara old town with its hilltop castle ruins.
5. Borsh Waterfall, a hidden gem amidst olive groves.

• Arrival in Saranda, Albania’s most lively seaside city.
  Enjoy a comfortable seaside stay in Saranda.

Day 6 – Secret Beaches and Sunset Magic

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Morning boat excursion to Saranda’s secret coves:

1. Swim in the turquoise waters of Secret Bay.
2. Explore the intriguing Turtle Cave.
3. Relax on the golden sands of Kakome Bay and Kroreza Bay, where wild nature and crystal waters create a postcard-perfect setting.
4. Discover Soldier Bay, one of the Riviera’s untouched jewels.

• Lunch with local seafood at a remote beach tavern.
• Return to Saranda for an afternoon leisure.
• In the evening, climb to Lëkurësi Castle, an old fortress overlooking the city, for an unforgettable sunset dinner with panoramic views stretching to Corfu Island.
• Optional: Nightlife exploration in Saranda’s lively bars and seaside cafés.

Day 7 – Ksamil, the Blue Eye, and Gjirokastra’s Timeless Stone Streets

• Breakfast at the hotel.

1. Morning spent at the stunning Ksamil Islands — a tropical paradise with powdery white beaches and bright blue waters.
2. Mid-morning, visit the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) in Delvina, a mesmerizing natural spring with a vivid deep-blue color and mythic allure.
3. Continue to Gjirokastra, the UNESCO-listed “City of Stone”:
4. Visit the majestic Gjirokastra Castle, one of the largest fortresses in the Balkans, housing old weapons and offering panoramic views of the Drino valley.
5. Wander through the Ottoman-style Old Bazaar, lined with artisan shops, cafés, and cobblestone streets.

• Traditional lunch in Gjirokastra City.
• Late afternoon drive to Berat, the “City of a Thousand Windows.”
• Charming stay in the heart of Berat’s old town.

Day 8 – Berat’s Timeless Beauty and Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Morning guided tour of Berat:

1. Visit the monumental Berat Castle, where families still live within the fortress walls.
2. Admire Orthodox art masterpieces at the Onufri Museum, inside the 18th-century cathedral.
3. Walk across the iconic Gorica Bridge, one of the oldest Ottoman bridges in Albania.

• Early afternoon: Private transfer back to Tirana International Airport for your return flight.
• End of a magical journey through Albania — full of history, nature, and unforgettable memories!

Tour Price: €870 per person
(Minimum 10–15 participants per group)

• Included:

1. Private Transportation
2. 7 Nights Accommodation (high-quality hotels/guesthouses)
3. Breakfasts
4. All Boat Tickets
5. Entrance Fees
6. Personal English-speaking Tour Guide
7. City Tours and Site Visits
8. 24/7 Assistance

• Not Included:

1. Lunches and Dinners
2. Personal expenses
3. Travel insurance

• Contact & Booking:
• WhatsApp / Viber / SMS / Call: +355 69 723 6304
• Email: eltoni1979@gmail.com
• Website: www.guidaalbania.com
• Instagram: @guidaalbania
• Address: Avni Rustemi Square, Pazari i Ri, Tirana, Albania

Important Information

Who is this tour ideal for:
This journey is designed for small groups of friends, families, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts looking to experience the best of Albania’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Group Size:
- Minimum 10 participants
- Private group arrangements available upon request

Reservation Policy:
- Advance booking is required — preferably 15 to 30 day sprior to the tour departure date, to guarantee hotel accommodations, transportation, and local experiences.

Physical Requirements:
- A moderate level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the hiking trails, walking tours, and boat adventures.

Tour Availability:
- This itinerary is available 365 days of year (Recommended from April to November),  based on weather conditions and operational availability.

Additional Recommendations:
- Participants are encouraged to have *personal travel insurance* covering health, accidents, and trip cancellations.

Traveler's Essentials

Important Reminders:
- Kindly inform us in advance of any *special dietary needs, **allergies, or **medical conditions* that might require special attention during the tour.
- Respect local traditions, dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and be mindful of environmental conservation.
- Please note: this tour includes sections of *light hiking, **boat excursions, and **outdoor activities* in mountainous and coastal areas.

What to Bring:

- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
- Lightweight outdoor clothing (easy-dry fabrics are ideal)
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings in the mountains
- Swimwear and a beach towel
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
- Personal medication and small first aid kit
- Camera or smartphone with enough storage for photos
- A small backpack for daily excursions
- Good mood, adventurous spirit, and lots of curiosity!